Obituary of James L. Abdou

James L. Abdou, 78, of Clifton Park, NY entered the arms of our Lord on Friday, March 1, 2019 with Margaret A. Germain Abdou, his devoted wife of 25 years by his side.

Born in Rome, NY, he was the son of Louis and Mary Amelia Coury Abdou. He was a graduate of Rome Free Academy and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Utica College.

Jim retired from the NYS Department of Labor in Albany, after more than 20 years where he had been Director of Personnel and Employee Relations. While working and after his retirement, Jim gained a reputation as a highly successful Family Mediator while volunteering for Mediation Matters for the Capital Region and was honored as Mediator of the Year and presented with the Building Bridges Award.

Jim led an active life. He enjoyed golfing and playing poker with friends. Many of Jim’s poker pals referred to him as "Gentleman Jim" for his modest and polite manner. In his younger days he played tennis and participated in road races, running Utica's Boilermaker numerous times. He enjoyed the sport of horse racing and the company of his friends at the track in Saratoga. He picked up a Pickleball paddle a few years ago, became an avid player and added even more friends to his already expansive group. Over the past 8 years, he and Margie had been wintering in Osprey FL. He was a communicant of Historic St. Mary's Church on Capitol Hill in Albany.

Beloved husband of Margie, devoted father of Amy Abdou (husband, Daniel Versteegh) of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Andrew Abdou of Escondido, CA; James I. Abdou of Williamstown, MA; and stepfather to the late Charles W.P. Bennett IV. Brother of Louis (Rose) Abdou of Naples, FL and Richard (Cindy) Abdou of Rome, NY; cherished grandfather of Emil VerSteegh and Wesley Abdou. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was a gentle soul, loved and respected by many. He will be dearly missed.

Funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9:30 from the Historic St. Mary’s Church, 10 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.